Teams across NHS Lothian are preparing for the annual influx of visitors during Edinburgh’s world-famous Festivals.
The city’s population doubles to around a million throughout August as people from across the world enjoy the Edinburgh Festival Fringe, the Edinburgh International Festival, the Edinburgh Military Tattoo, and more.
NHS Lothian has a number of arrangements in place to make sure visitors can access healthcare if they need it, while continuing to provide routine and planned care for local residents.
Visitors are being urged to take the same route as locals and call 111 if they have an urgent injury or illness.
Experienced NHS 24 advisors will direct them to the most appropriate service to make sure they get the right care in the right place. NHS 24 also has an interpretation service for those whose first language is not English.
Depending on a patient’s circumstances, they may be given an appointment for a Minor Injuries Unit (MIU), be asked to attend a local pharmacy, or be given an appointment at a GP Practice which provides care and treatment for visitors who are not registered with a GP in the city.
Michelle Carr, Chief Officer of Acute Services, NHS Lothian, said: “We want everyone visiting Edinburgh during the Festivals to enjoy their time here, but if they become unwell or suffer an urgent injury, the best thing to do is call NHS 24 on 111. They should not turn up at a hospital.
“It’s important to stress that there is no walk-in service for visitors, but by calling 111 they will be able to access necessary healthcare 24/7.
“They will also be seen sooner than walking into a busy hospital A&E department that will prioritise patients and work in order of clinical urgency.
“The message is the same for visitors and local residents alike. If you need urgent healthcare, call 111. In a life-threatening emergency, always call 999.”
Almost 50 people have been arrested by officers from our new City Centre Policing Unit during their first month of operations.
From 1 to 31 July, a total of 49 individuals were arrested and 114 charges brought against them for a range of offences within the city centre during proactive patrols and reactive responses undertaken by the unit.
The CCPU officially launched on 2 July 2026, supported by funding from the City of Edinburgh Council’s Visitor Levy.
Over the last month over 2,300 hours of patrols by CCPU officers have taken place to engage with members of the public and businesses within the city-centre, respond to intelligence relating to criminal activity and provide a high-visibility presence to deter offending.
In addition to the arrests, two Fixed Penalty Notices have been issued for antisocial behaviour and a further 20 Recorded Police Warnings were handed out for incidents that did not require arrests to be made.
A total of 208 youth interactions were carried out to engage with young people visiting the city centre and build strong relationships with this demographic to help deter offences such as antisocial behaviour.
Extensive work has also been done to tackle street drinking in the Hunters Square area, with alcohol seized on 47 occasions.
Throughout August, CCPU officers will play a pivotal role in policing the Edinburgh International Festival and Fringe to offer reassurance to the increased number of people within the city-centre and respond to any incidents that arise during this time.
Inspector Stephen Quinn, who leads the City Centre Policing Unit, said: “Our first month has been immensely challenging but extremely rewarding, as CCPU officers set about providing benefit to Edinburgh’s city centre.
“Extensive support from the CCPU was provided to staffing the cordons required to keep the public safe following the significant fire on Princes Street and this meant that resources that would previously have been required from other parts of the city were able to continue with their normal duties.
“Despite the demands of the fire, we have also been successful in tackling some of the key issues affecting the city-centre, including shop theft, antisocial behaviour and disorder.
“Working alongside key partners such as our colleagues at the Retail Crime Taskforce, Simon Community Scotland, Street Assist and representatives from the night-time economy, we continue to tackle hotspot areas and improve confidence in the policing response to ongoing problems.
“We’re under no illusion that more work needs to be done and we will continue to build on the success of our first month as we strive to make Edinburgh’s city-centre as safe as possible for all of those who live, work and visit the area.”
One of Edinburgh’s most recognisable landmarks is celebrating a major milestone this summer, with visitors invited to join in the celebrations.
From 10 to 17 August, the Council is marking the anniversary with 12 free tickets available each day for visitors wishing to climb the famous monument. Tickets will be available on a first come, first served basis.
Those who complete the climb of 221 steps will receive a special commemorative certificate to mark the occasion.
Completed in 1844 and opened in 1846, the Scott Monument was built in memory of Sir Walter Scott, one of Scotland’s best-loved writers and the author of Waverley and many other classic novels. Scott, who died in 1932, played a pivotal role in promoting Scotland’s history and culture through his writing.
Affectionately known by many as the “Gothic Rocket”, the monument is an outstanding example of Victorian Gothic architecture. Designed by architect George Meikle Kemp following a competition in 1838, it is adorned with statues of writers, poets, and characters from Scott’s novels. Tragically, Kemp died before seeing his masterpiece completed, drowning in the Union Canal shortly before construction finished.
At its base sits John Steell’s statue of Sir Walter Scott alongside his faithful dog, Maida, overlooking Princes Street that remains at the heart of the city Scott helped to celebrate through his work.
Cllr Margaret Graham, Culture and Communities Convener, said:“The Scott Monument is one of Edinburgh’s most iconic landmarks and a much-loved part of our city’s heritage.
“I’m delighted to be celebrating its 180th anniversary by giving more people the chance to experience the monument, whether that’s climbing to enjoy its spectacular views or learning more about the life and legacy of Sir Walter Scott.
“We hope residents and visitors alike will join us in marking this special milestone.”
We would like to say a massive thank you and farewell to Richie Adams, who has been our CEO for the last 5 and a half years! He has made a huge impact on FetLor through his leadership and ingenuity.
Richie joined FetLor at the height of the pandemic when we couldn’t even meet in person at the time due to the restrictions, but this didn’t stop him leaving a lasting impact at FetLor.
Please take a moment to read some kind words he would like to pass on:
The Public and Commercial Services Union, which represents some of our visitor facing colleagues, has announced industrial action this month.
Our colleagues, visitors and the art in our care are our highest priorities, so we have made some changes to when our galleries open in August:
– Saturday 8 August: Our summer exhibition, Catherine Opie: To Be Seen, will open as intended from 10am – 5pm at the Royal Scottish Academy. The National, Modern and Portrait galleries, shops and cafés will be closed.
– Wednesday 12 August: The National, Modern and Portrait galleries, including shops, cafés and the Royal Scottish Academy building, will be closed.
– Sunday 16 August: The Tea Green Summer Market, café and shop will be open at the Portrait gallery. The National and Modern galleries, the upper floors of the Portrait gallery, the Royal Scottish Academy building and our shops and cafes will be closed.
– Thursday 20 August: The National, Modern and Portrait galleries, including shops, cafés and the Royal Scottish Academy building, will be closed.
The grounds and car parks at Modern One and Modern Two will be open as normal throughout.
Catherine Opie: To Be Seen, will open from 10am – 5pm on Saturday 8 August, then closed on Wednesday 12 August, Sunday 17 August and Thursday 20 August.
Gwen John: Strange Beauties will be closed on Saturday 8 August, Wednesday 12 August, Sunday 17 August and Thursday 20 August.
Between these dates, all our Galleries will be open for you to enjoy.
Thanks for your patience, we hope to see you soon.
Deputy First Minister visits site and meets council leader
Up to £5 million will be made available to help support recovery from the fire on Edinburgh’s Princes Street.
Deputy First Minister Jenny Gilruth met with City of Edinburgh Council leader Jane Meagher yesterday following a tour of the site of the blaze at the former Debenhams store which broke out on 9 July.
The funding will be administered by the council and include support for a number of areas to assist the recovery from the fire, including support to incentivise and assist with travel around the city, acknowledging the concerns of businesses facing reduced footfall after the closure on Princes Street, in particular along the tram route to Leith and Newhaven.
It will also provide assistance to help secure the site and make the building safe to facilitate the reopening of Princes Street, as well as support for festival operators forced to relocate.
The Deputy First Minister has also confirmed that work is underway with Highland Council to finalise the financial support that the Scottish Government will provide for recovery from the Cairngorms fire.
Ms Gilruth said: “This fire has caused widespread difficulties in Edinburgh, not just in the city centre but extending north into Leith and Newhaven, as business and commuters adjust to the disruption caused by the fire.
“The Scottish Government has been determined from the start to ensure that we are ready to support the council in assisting those affected and the funding being set out today will help to keep the city moving and to adapt, while also enabling long term recovery.
“The impact in the capital has been significant at a time when the August festivals are getting underway. The Scottish Government is committed to working urgently with partners to ensure there is the fullest possible recovery, including the reopening of Princes Street as soon as is safely possible.”
Council Leader Jane Meagher said:“This is a significant step in our city’s recovery from the Princes Street fire, and I wholeheartedly welcome the Scottish Government’s announcement today.
“Whilst I remain acutely aware of the impact that this is having across the city every day, I hope that this news can bring some comfort to our residents, businesses and visitors. The city is very much open, and I’d encourage everyone to support our fantastic local businesses as the festivals begin later this week.
“We’re continuing to do everything within our power to reopen Princes Street as soon as it’s safe to do so. The complexity of the remedial work cannot be understated, with specialists working, mostly by hand, under extremely challenging circumstances.
“I’d also urge people to continue to plan ahead and allow extra time for their journeys.
“I was encouraged by my conversations with the Deputy First Minister today and we’ll continue to work alongside the Scottish Government and our partners in our collective response to this incredibly difficult issue.”
The fund will be administered by the Council and divided into the following sections –
Building Works:
The Council is incurring substantial daily costs to progress work on the site, including making the building safe and the retention of heritage features, alongside associated security costs. This support will go towards covering these in the short to medium term.
Ultimately, the Council will still attempt to recover appropriate costs from the owners under the Building (Scotland) Act 2003.
Business Recovery: The Council recognises the impact that this has had on businesses across Edinburgh, particularly in Leith and the north of the city due to tram disruption. This funding will be used to encourage people to visit local businesses through a communications campaign, creating a local events fund and further incentivising patronage.
Festivals Support: The fire has resulted in some events by festival partners in the immediate vicinity being relocated at short notice. Bookings have also been impacted. Requests for funding will be considered on a case-by-case basis.
Public Transport Support: Edinburgh Trams has experienced increased costs and a loss of income due to disruption on the network. As a large section of the tram network has been offline since the fire, this fund would be used specifically to help mitigate this ongoing impact on both Edinburgh Trams and the Council.
Princes Street City Dressing: Funding will support the installation of dressing at any vacant units or construction sites, including the former Debenham’s building, while works are ongoing, to maintain a positive image for Princes Street.
‘Getting Around Town’ Communications Campaign: Work has already commenced on a campaign to help residents and visitors get around the city.
Work is taking place to finalise arrangements for the support package which will be made available to the council.
Due to serious concerns about the structural integrity of the building a substantial exclusion zone was established and remains in place around the affected section of Princes Street.
Gilded Balloon has returned to its beloved home at Teviot Row House for the first time since August 2023.
Scotland’s leading producer of live comedy and entertainment year-round and at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe has opened its doors to the public today across its four venues: Gilded Balloon Teviot, The Gilded Saloon, Gilded Balloon at the Museum, and Gilded Balloon Patter House.
Teviot, The University of Edinburgh’s student union, and the world’s oldest purpose-built student union, reopened its doors in March following a two-and-a-half-year refurbishment. The venue has been home to Gilded Balloon during the Edinburgh Festival Fringe since 2001.
Gilded Balloon’s exciting 2026 programme features 225 shows spanning comedy, theatre, magic, cabaret, musicals and more from today until Monday 31st August.
Famous faces taking the stage include Graham Nortonand Maria McErlane, Gregor Fisher, Rich Hall, Deborah Frances-White, Mariella Frostrup, Gina Bellman, Phil Nichol, Fiona Allen, Fred MacAulay, Jack Docherty, Grace Campbell, Mhairi Black, Jimmy Rees, Paul Black, Jamie Kilstein, Tom Read Wilson, Kim Blytheand many more.
At the heart of the programme are several flagship Gilded Balloon productions and co-productions, showcasing the very best of comedy, theatre, conversation and live events. Highlights include the return of five-star hit Doris, Dolly and the Dressing Room Divas; the world premiere of Lois-Amber Toole‘s powerful new playSLAY; acclaimed US comedian Jamie Kilstein’s Can’t Tie Knots; reigning So You Think You’re Funny? champion Madeleine Brettingham‘s debut hour Legend.
Jack Docherty will also return with his eagerly awaited Butterfly;Mhairi Blackreturns withDifficult Second Album; broadcaster Mariella Frostrup will presentCracking the Menopause; the award-winning podcast The Guilty Feminist will take to the stage; iconic Scottish comedian Fred MacAulay’s showcases In Conversation as well as his new stand-up showGood Evening!; Wanging On – Livewith Graham Norton and Maria McErlane will have its stage debut; the next generation of storytellers will tread the boards in Story Platform; and the ever-popular Comedy Night at the Museumalso returns.
Beloved Gilded Balloon institutions also return to Teviot, with an iconic line-up of comedians taking to the stage every night for Late’n’Live, the legendary late-night showcase that has become a cornerstone of the Fringe. Meanwhile,So You Think You’re Funny? continues its search for the next generation of comedy stars through its competition heats and grand final, as well as celebrating its brightest new talent with Best of So You Think You’re Funny?
Karen and Katy Koren, Artistic Directors of Gilded Balloon, said: “Coming home to Teviot is a really emotional moment for all of us. It has been at the heart of Gilded Balloon’s Fringe story for more than 25 years, and while we’ve loved creating new homes across the city during that time, there is something truly special about returning to the place where so many unforgettable Fringe memories have been made.
“We’ve spent the past three years looking forward to this moment, and we’re returning with our biggest and most ambitious programme yet.
The NHS is one of Britain’s greatest achievements (writes FOYSOL CHOUDHURY MBE). Every day, it cares for millions of people regardless of who they are, where they come from or what they believe. It is built on the principles of compassion, dignity and equality.
Yet new research has once again exposed an uncomfortable truth. Too many NHS staff continue to experience unacceptable levels of racism and discrimination.
That should concern every one of us.
The NHS depends on the dedication and professionalism of staff from Black, Asian and minority ethnic communities. They are our doctors, nurses, consultants, pharmacists, porters, receptionists, cleaners, ambulance crews and carers. They work around the clock, often under immense pressure, caring for patients with compassion and professionalism.
Quite simply, without them, our NHS would not function.
Yet many continue to face racist abuse from patients, discrimination from colleagues and barriers to career progression. No one should ever have to endure abuse because of the colour of their skin, their ethnicity, their faith or their background while simply doing the job they were trained to do.
The recent findings reported by Sky News should serve as a wake-up call. Racism in our public services is not just unacceptable. It damages lives, harms staff wellbeing, affects recruitment and retention, and ultimately impacts the quality of care patients receive. When talented professionals feel isolated, undervalued or forced to leave because they are not treated fairly, we all lose.
This is an issue I have dedicated much of my public life to addressing.
As a former Member of the Scottish Parliament, I consistently used my platform to challenge racism, promote equality and press for stronger action against discrimination. I spoke in parliamentary debates on race equality, hate crime and community cohesion, worked with ministers and colleagues across political parties, and supported organisations committed to building a fairer Scotland.
Alongside my parliamentary work, I have been proud to work with the Edinburgh and Lothians Regional Equality Council (ELREC), an organisation that has spent decades supporting people who experience discrimination, promoting good relations between communities and helping employers and public bodies become more inclusive. Through ELREC, I have worked with schools, local authorities, Police Scotland, NHS organisations, universities, charities, faith groups and community organisations to tackle racism, challenge prejudice and promote equality.
Throughout my career, I have firmly believed that combating racism requires more than statements of support. It requires action, leadership and a willingness to stand alongside those who experience discrimination. Equality should never be viewed as an aspiration. It should be a reality that every person experiences in their daily life.
While Scotland has made significant progress, recent years have also seen a worrying rise in racism and hate incidents across the UK. We have witnessed increasing hate speech online, abuse directed at public figures, hostility towards migrants and refugees, and discrimination affecting people simply because of their race, religion or ethnicity. These attitudes do not remain online. They spill into our workplaces, schools, hospitals and communities.
The NHS should be a place where every member of staff feels safe, respected and valued. Healthcare workers should never have to choose between protecting their dignity and providing care for others.
Creating truly inclusive workplaces requires more than policies sitting on shelves. It demands strong leadership, effective reporting systems, proper support for victims, accountability when racism occurs and ongoing education that challenges prejudice and unconscious bias. Every employer has a responsibility to create an environment where discrimination is challenged immediately and where diversity is recognised as one of the organisation’s greatest strengths.
Our diversity is one of the greatest strengths of modern Britain.
People from different cultures, languages, faiths and backgrounds enrich every aspect of our society. They bring skills, ideas and experiences that strengthen our economy, improve our public services and enrich our communities. Diversity should never be viewed as a problem to manage. It should be celebrated as one of our greatest national assets.
Tackling racism cannot be left solely to governments, employers or public bodies. Every one of us has a responsibility to speak out when we witness discrimination, support those who experience it and refuse to remain silent. Real change happens not only through legislation but also through everyday acts of courage, kindness and respect.
A fair NHS benefits every patient.
Fair workplaces create stronger public services.
Inclusive communities build a stronger Scotland and a stronger United Kingdom.
Racism has no place in our NHS.
It has no place in our workplaces.
It has no place in our politics.
And it has no place in our society.
If we truly believe in fairness, dignity and equality, then we must move beyond simply condemning racism whenever headlines appear. We must commit ourselves to eliminating it wherever it exists.
That is the kind of Scotland and the kind of United Kingdom that we should all strive to build. It is a future where everyone, regardless of their race, ethnicity or faith, can contribute, succeed and feel that they truly belong.
UK environmental charities on the frontline of the climate crisis come together to encourage Brits to join nature’s fight against climate change
Nearly 7.5 million Brits say the environment and conservation is the cause most likely to inspire them to volunteer, with over 12 million naming volunteering to support animals, as record-breaking heat, wildfires and extreme weather bring the climate crisis closer to home
Leading environmental charities, alongside Royal Voluntary Service and digital volunteering platform GoVo, are calling on the public to join nature’s fight for survival as record-breaking temperatures, wildfires and extreme weather bring the impacts of climate change closer to home.
Research from Royal Voluntary Service reveals that almost 7.5 million adults identify environment and conservation as the cause they would be most likely to volunteer for, while more than 12.3 million adults say supporting animals would most inspire them to give their time.
Yet despite the appetite, charities are still urgently looking for more support with more than 750 environment, conservation, and animal welfare roles on GoVo still in need of volunteers.
The findings come as leading environmental and conservation charities, including The Conservation Volunteers, Keep Britain Tidy, Marine Conservation Society and Chester Zoo, unite alongside Royal Voluntary Service and GoVo to urge more people to turn concern into action and support nature’s survival against climate change.
Together, the group of charities are calling on people across Britain to get involved with local projects that restore habitats, protect wildlife and strengthen the natural environments on which people and animals depend.
The call from the charities coincides with ITV’s ground breaking new natural history series, Force of Nature, which follows wildlife fighting back against the escalating impacts of climate change. ITV and Royal Voluntary Service hope that the series will inspire people to take action to support climate resilience through volunteering.
Love Actually and The Walking Dead actor, and Force of Nature narrator, Andrew Lincoln, said: “I feel privileged to be a part of Force of Nature, it is an extraordinary tv series about the impact of the climate crisis on animal survival.
“It’s three years in the making and highlights the astonishing ways animals are adapting to extreme weather and how the people working alongside are helping them to survive.
“It gives an important message of hope that every one of us can play a part in making a difference. Across the country charities on the frontline of environmental and animal conservation need help. By stepping forward to volunteer you can become part of the urgent effort to protect our natural world.”
The call follows one of Britain’s most extraordinary summers on record. England recorded its hottest June day ever at 37.7°C, while the month itself became the warmest on record. Temperatures above 35°C have now been recorded in May, June and July within the same year for the first time in weather history and the UK’s ten warmest years on record have all occurred since 2002.
Major fires have once again scorched British countryside this summer, while England’s rivers last year experienced their second-lowest March to August flows since records began in 1961.
The kind of climate impacts that Brits once watched unfold elsewhere are becoming an increasingly familiar part of life in Britain.
Jo Morison, Volunteer Manager at Chester Zoo, said: “Climate change isn’t a distant threat to the species we work to save – it’s wildfires tearing through the Cairngorms, where Scottish wildcats are being released back into the wild, and moorland near Manchester, where we helped bring back a butterfly once lost from the region.
“Nature is resilient, but it needs help fighting back. That’s why volunteering matters more than ever.
“Chester Zoo is already working with nature volunteers across Cheshire through our Networks for Nature project, helping the county to reach its biodiversity targets. We very much encourage anyone interested in volunteering to search online for similar schemes near them, and get involved.”
Allison Ogden-Newton OBE, CEO of Keep Britain Tidy, said:“The job to take care of our environment is urgent, and it is everybody’s business to protect the places not only we – but wildlife and marine life – call home.
“I say to any person who thinks the challenge is insurmountable, or that their actions alone cannot make a dint in the problem, that together, person by person, day by day, we can make a huge difference to the environment on our doorstep.”
Catherine Johnstone CBE, CEO of Royal Voluntary Service, said: “Throughout history, communities across Britain have come together in response to society’s most urgent challenges. Climate change is one of the defining challenges of our time, and volunteering gives people a practical way to be part of the solution.
“Whether it is protecting green spaces, supporting wildlife or helping communities become more resilient, every contribution matters. Small actions, multiplied by millions of people, can create lasting change that will impact our generations to come.”
Sandy Luk, CEO at the Marine Conservation Society, said:“Volunteering for the ocean is one of the most powerful ways you can make a difference to the climate crisis. Our ocean is our greatest ally in tackling climate change, but it is under increasing pressure from human activity.
“Whether you’re reporting seaweed types and jellyfish sightings to help scientists understand how our seas are changing, or collecting and recording litter to drive action on the causes of pollution, every contribution helps to protect the ocean we all depend on.”
There are hundreds of opportunities to volunteer and join the global effort by supporting frontline environment, conservation, and animal welfare charities on GoVo, made possible thanks to support from Postcode Lottery players.
GoVo connects people with bite-sized volunteering opportunities that fit easily into everyday life, including:
Getting hands-on to preserve and enhance local forests.
Supporting and protecting local wildlife from helping sick or injured animals, to creating habitats.
Restoring wetlands and cleaning beaches and waterways.
Monitoring and caring for bats, seals, butterflies, hedgehogs, bees and birds.
Joining a green gym combining practical outdoor activities with the benefits of exercise and nature.
Organising and supporting community events to engage and inspire more people.
Digital and remote volunteering to raise awareness, advocate for charities and monitor wildlife.
Those inspired to join nature in the fight against climate change can find environmental, conservation, and animal-related volunteering opportunities in their area at GoVo.org.
